Garba workshops are becoming increasingly popular as Navratri approaches. Residents of Bangalore are actively taking part in these workshops to improve their garba and dandiya skills and prepare for the upcoming festivities. The city is bustling with excitement as everyone gears up to dress in vibrant outfits and dance to the rhythms of this traditional dance form. From community gatherings to large-scale events, Bangalore is gearing up for a weekend filled with cultural celebrations.
The rise of social media has played a significant role in popularizing garba and dandiya, showcasing the fun and communal aspects of these activities and encouraging more people to join in. Additionally, the growing interest in fitness has made garba, which is essentially a cardio workout, more appealing to individuals. According to dance choreographer Amisha Jhawar, garba offers a therapeutic experience that many participants find joyous and communal, drawing them back year after year.
Amisha emphasizes that garba is a dance suitable for beginners, with a focus on mastering footwork before incorporating arm movements to fully enjoy the dance. Dance instructor Sheena Chaudhary echoes this sentiment, highlighting the infectious and exhilarating spirit of Navratri. She notes that dandiya and garba are seasonal dances, with participants typically beginning practice closer to the event to familiarize themselves with the steps and enhance their performance. Both men and women take part in the festivities, with steps designed to be gender-neutral to create an inclusive environment. Sheena simplifies the teaching process by breaking down the steps and incorporating choreography, ensuring that workshops are filled with laughter, smiles, and a positive atmosphere."Dance has the ability to unite people from different communities and bring them joy," says Bijal J Shah, a Zumba instructor. She recalls a heartwarming moment while teaching dandiya and garba when all her students, not just Gujaratis, danced with equal vigor and passion, completely engrossed in the music. This display of unity and happiness highlighted the inclusive power of dance, transcending age and skill levels.
Sheena, who leads dandiya and garba classes, emphasizes the fitness benefits of these dances, describing them as a full-body workout involving squats, arm stretches, and neck engagement. Stressing on the importance of a proper warm-up to prevent injuries, especially for beginners in today's sedentary lifestyle, she makes sure her classes start with exercises before moving onto dance techniques.
Brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag, who have been organizing dandiya and garba workshops for over 14 years, have observed a growing demand for these traditional dances every year. Responding to the interest in new styles and steps, they have expanded their workshop network and offered classes at various timings to accommodate different schedules. Mohit emphasizes the three Ps - Patience, Practice, and Perfection - as key elements to learning, aiming to make the process enjoyable and accessible by simplifying instructions and creating a welcoming environment.
For beginners, the advice is simple: practice consistently to improve and feel more confident with the steps over time.Steps and beat. Observe and learn: Study professional dancers to grasp their technique and flair. Unwind and relish: Garba is all about having fun! Don't stress about being flawless; just relax and savor the music. Garba decorum: It is essential to show respect while participating in garba. Refrain from pushing or colliding with other dancers, and stay aware of your surroundings. What to dress? Garba performers often don colorful and lively outfits. Traditionally, women wear cholis and ghagras, adorned with detailed embroidery and decorations. Men usually opt for kurtas and dhotis. However, contemporary garba attire can range widely, reflecting various cultures and styles.
